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With Notre Dame’s 4-3 win over Lake Superior today the Falcon’s of Bowling Green take up the last position in the CCHA.

The Falcons record of 4-8-1 in 13 conference games and 5-11-1 in 17 games overall, is now the worst record in the CCHA. Notre Dame at 6-11-1 overall is next to bottom.

Pooch’s lack of success this season, I believe, has not been because he lacks talented players; the poor performance is because he does not consistently play his best players. One understands that Senior, and for that matter junior players, have put in their time and should be considered when choosing the lineup, but not to the detriment of the team or winning.

Every other team is attempting to WIN in the CCHA, but it appears BGSU has some other agenda. I can only assume Pooch has written off this season and is planning for next seasons.

The biggest problem I see: Inconsistency at all levels. The offence, defense and goalies and coaching have been GOOD and BAD.

The coaching staff has been astonishingly inept at player selection. I don’t believe its rocket science. When a player works harder, is more consistent at practice and does not consistently play poorly in games he’s your man. If a goalie lets in tons of goals he’s not your man. Change up! If the defense consistently let their opponents get by them, Change up!

Chemistry is also a factor to considered, when your forward lines are “clicking” and scoring goals, keep them. When the penalty kill works, keep them. When the power play does not work, change it!

Seems simple, but I am not the coach.

ANY IDEAS?

Are you serious? Are you seriously questioning the loyalty of the coaching staff? If you are then you have not been wathing much BG hockey. This staff is busting its butts to make this the best program it can be. I hope you do not compare the success new coaches in football and women's basketball have had here at BG to the apparent lack there of in hockey. If you, you have much to learn about this sport. I have seen many improvements since Pooch took over. And that will continue. We are on the way up, but sometimes that takes a couple steps back.

FalconBlue wrote:With Notre Dame’s 4-3 win over Lake Superior today the Falcon’s of Bowling Green take up the last position in the CCHA.

The Falcons record of 4-8-1 in 13 conference games and 5-11-1 in 17 games overall, is now the worst record in the CCHA. Notre Dame at 6-11-1 overall is next to bottom.

Pooch’s lack of success this season, I believe, has not been because he lacks talented players; the poor performance is because he does not consistently play his best players. One understands that Senior, and for that matter junior players, have put in their time and should be considered when choosing the lineup, but not to the detriment of the team or winning.

Every other team is attempting to WIN in the CCHA, but it appears BGSU has some other agenda. I can only assume Pooch has written off this season and is planning for next seasons.

The biggest problem I see: Inconsistency at all levels. The offence, defense and goalies and coaching have been GOOD and BAD.

The coaching staff has been astonishingly inept at player selection. I don’t believe its rocket science. When a player works harder, is more consistent at practice and does not consistently play poorly in games he’s your man. If a goalie lets in tons of goals he’s not your man. Change up! If the defense consistently let their opponents get by them, Change up!

Chemistry is also a factor to considered, when your forward lines are “clicking” and scoring goals, keep them. When the penalty kill works, keep them. When the power play does not work, change it!

Seems simple, but I am not the coach.

ANY IDEAS?

I am curious to see what players you are talking about, that are sitting in the stands night in and night out. I think I have a good idea...

I think they put out the best lineups they can each night, whether they live up to that billing is what is inconsistent.

I'm optimistic, I think we'll get much more consistant in the second half. Pooch had his work cut out for him when he got here. This is the last year of Buddy's recruits - if these young guys pick up on their defense - we'll be fine.
Speaking of young guys. How about #15 - freshman Jon Ralph. He is fast, good and fun to watch.

FalconBlue wrote:With Notre Dame’s 4-3 win over Lake Superior today the Falcon’s of Bowling Green take up the last position in the CCHA.

The Falcons record of 4-8-1 in 13 conference games and 5-11-1 in 17 games overall, is now the worst record in the CCHA. Notre Dame at 6-11-1 overall is next to bottom.

Pooch’s lack of success this season, I believe, has not been because he lacks talented players; the poor performance is because he does not consistently play his best players. One understands that Senior, and for that matter junior players, have put in their time and should be considered when choosing the lineup, but not to the detriment of the team or winning.

Every other team is attempting to WIN in the CCHA, but it appears BGSU has some other agenda. I can only assume Pooch has written off this season and is planning for next seasons.

The biggest problem I see: Inconsistency at all levels. The offence, defense and goalies and coaching have been GOOD and BAD.

The coaching staff has been astonishingly inept at player selection. I don’t believe its rocket science. When a player works harder, is more consistent at practice and does not consistently play poorly in games he’s your man. If a goalie lets in tons of goals he’s not your man. Change up! If the defense consistently let their opponents get by them, Change up!

Chemistry is also a factor to considered, when your forward lines are “clicking” and scoring goals, keep them. When the penalty kill works, keep them. When the power play does not work, change it!

Seems simple, but I am not the coach.

ANY IDEAS?

That's the biggest line of BS I've ever read. It's not worth commenting further on.

FalconBlue wrote: I can only assume Pooch has written off this season and is planning for next seasons.

Your assumption is wrong. There is NO WAY IN HELL that THIS coaching staff will EVER "write off" a season, no matter how far we are in to it.

NO WAY, NOT EVER!!!

I agree that we may need some line up changes. But I dont know if upperclassmen deserve to play just because they are jrs or seniors. Dobek and Barnett have played 32 games and combined for 2 goals, and I would not consider either of these two to be above average in the defensive zone. Right now I dont know if anyone has the answer. If you say that we are playing poorly some on this board get upset.

We clearly need to cut down on goals against. Overall we have allowed 78 goals against, next worst in the CCHA is Nebraska at 62, Miami has allowed 26.

I pointed out earlier that I thought this team was not as good as many of us thought coming into the season. Hopefully something will click in the second half, by the way where is Sitko been?

It's the Journey..., you are loyal and I sincerely hope not over optimistic. How long does it take to get a hockey program to be competitive? I only have Pooch's record at BGSU to consider and the CCHA stats.

FalconFiesta50, I was thinking more of the omission of James Unger from the St. Lawrence game after a goal and an assist against Clarkson and Horrell, after his recent stellar play, sitting out for Clarkson. Jon Ralph will have his day,I'm sure, he is an excellent player.

BGFan, you show a great deal of analytical thinking, thanks for your contribution.

FalconBlue wrote:It's the Journey..., you are loyal and I sincerely hope not over optimistic. How long does it take to get a hockey program to be competitive? I only have Pooch's record at BGSU to consider and the CCHA stats.

FalconFiesta50, I was thinking more of the omission of James Unger from the St. Lawrence game after a goal and an assist against Clarkson and Horrell, after his recent stellar play, sitting out for Clarkson. I'm sure Jon Ralph will have his day, he is an excellent player and Pooch cannot ignore his skills forever.

BGFan, you show a great deal of analytical thinking, thanks for your contribution.

First, let me state a couple things from observations (Yes, I have been at every game at the Ice Arena). Unger does a good job at times, but he has a reputation at least with people I talk to of trying to do it all. He'll try to skate through three guys to make the play, instead of dishing it to make the play. Obviously, I don't know the reasons for Unger being sat, but sitting a player can send one hell of a message that they want to see more heart and teamwork out of them.

I also like Horrell, but there are times when he scares me. When he's on fire he's virtually unbeatable, however, there are times where he can be extremely streaky, letting out large rebounds, etc. However, I would not pin the goals against solely on either goalie, because as this forum has hashed out before, they had to get through five players first.

We're better in our own zone, but theres still room for improvement. The defense are making the checks as players enter the zone, instead of being beaten on the outside for an odd-man rush. Collectively this team is still going through some growing pains, but are definitely heading in the right direction.

No matter what, we can't let down, and we have to play for sixty minutes each night. Something we haven't been able to do consistently, at least in my opinion.

But hey, that's just my observations, feel free to disagree.

I agree with FF50 that people should be able to voice their opinions freely around here.

That being said, I was waiting for Falcon Fanatic (the real one...) and BGfan to repsond to this thread before I did so. They know infinitely more about hockey and this program than I or any of us ever will, so I always defer to their judgement. I am happy to see that their sentiments gelled very well with my own.

I don't know what people are expecting from this team right now besides growth. This team has shown growth this year, with a win over Clarkson being an exemplary piece of evidence at the end of the first half. I have seen only one game in person so far this year (thanks Arizona... ), but from all accounts, we have been making huge strides this year. It is never easy to lose a goalie as important as Jordan, so I guess I am not sure what everyone was expecting this year? Was everyone seriously expecting Jimmy to walk into the Ice Arena and dominate this year? Really? Jimmy is a phenomenally talented kid, but it is very rare for any goalie to walk into college hockey and be dominant. Look for him to perform MUCH better next year.

Also, perhaps it is true that Pooch is looking to next year. Who knows? I wouldn't blame him if he was, though. It would be easy for him to send Horrell out there in every game in order to win in the short-term, but what would that do for the program down the road? John will be leaving this program after this year, and he will be missed (he's a great kid!). Spratt, though, will be here for at least another two years past this year, and he is our future. I myself have even questioned the goalie rotation throughout this season, but when I have really sat back and contemplated it, it really makes sense. You don't put all of your eggs in the basket of a first year starting senior - no matter how good he is. If you're reading this, though, John, know that I think you are great and are an asset to this program. My comments are not a reflection on your abilities or contributions.

The bottom line is, be patient. Plain and simple. A program is not rebuilt from nothing to national prominance over night, and I still think Pooch is on the right track. And don't ever question his dedication to BG, either. The man not only went to BG, but he played hockey for BG under Jerry York. He then went on to coach under York before coming here - this is his dream job. As soon as anyone question's Pooch's dedication to this program I immediately blow-off their opinion because of this. Some people need to get a clue.

GO FALCON ICERS!!!! See you in Storrs!

FalconBlue wrote:It's the Journey..., you are loyal and I sincerely hope not over optimistic. How long does it take to get a hockey program to be competitive? I only have Pooch's record at BGSU to consider and the CCHA stats.

FalconFiesta50, I was thinking more of the omission of James Unger from the St. Lawrence game after a goal and an assist against Clarkson and Horrell, after his recent stellar play, sitting out for Clarkson. Jon Ralph will have his day,I'm sure, he is an excellent player.

BGFan, you show a great deal of analytical thinking, thanks for your contribution.

I've stated my opinion enough in other threads that people here know where I stand. Frustration doesn't begin to describe it. What you're stating, IMHO, is complete BS and, also IMO, seems to be clouded by being too close to, perhaps, 1 or 2 of the players. But, for your benifit, I'll reiterate in a different way what I feel has been going on on this team.

But first, as for Unger not playing, I was told by reliable sources that he didn't play due to a wrist injury suffered in the Clarkson game. It may be that he could have played with the injury, I don't know, but he wasn't considered a healthy scratch. (Don't forget that he had a bad cut on his wrist at the beginning of the season....it may have been the same wrist and may have been re-aggravated.)

The BS that I read has more to do with Paluch hanging it up for the season than anything else. Had Alaska done that last year (they had a VERY similar record to ours at the beginning of their season last year) they never would have made it as far as they did in the playoffs at the end of the season. Seems like a stupid thing to do, a stupid thing to assume, and a stupid thing to say. In other words, total BS.

Line changes.....what can you say? Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Paluch split the the top line with some success early on to help even out the scoring in the top three lines only to take crap from certain people looking at it as a demotion for two of the players. (If the top 3 lines get the same amount of ice time, why is it a demotion?) Then he maintains the same lines for a few games and people complain that he should rotate some others in. So now he sits a couple of players and rotates others in and still takes crap. What the hell do people want? IMO he's sat some of the players who've caused problems in one form or another (and, not necessarily on the ice). Sitko for example, while fun to watch, has taken stupid penalties and hits when he should be getting back on D. I've seen too many break aways get by him early on simply because he's going for the hit when he should be getting back on D. A good hit is great when it's the smart thing to do.....his aren't always smart.

There have been huge problems with certain forwards not wanting to get back on D and certain defensemen who are getting caught too deep. This combination of problems has caused way too freaking many odd man rushes. Our goals are way up this year...that's great. Our gaa is also way up this year....that's terrible. When players get used to playing in front of a steller goalie like Siggy they get lazy because they know that he's there and he'll stop a majority of those rushes. Quite simply, they need to stop being lazy and get the hell back on D when they need to. That has to start with the "leaders" on the team because if they don't do it, neither will the rest of the team. They need to start acting like leaders regardless of whether or not they're wearing a C on their sweater. If there's some animosity (I don't know whether there is or not...this is just speculation) that no assistant captains were selected they need to get over it and prove that they should have been one and play that way. Anything less is childish and unacceptable.

Is that insightfull enough for you? How many times and in how many ways do I need to explain the same things?

Edit: I should also add that I believe all of these problems are correctable and I have seen strides in that direction. The win over St. Lawrence is a testament to that. To that end, I believe that the second half of the season will be much different than the first half because this team WILL pull it all together and get this boat righted and turned in the right direction. All because I tend to be an optimist.

You are obviously a lot closer to the action, coaches and players than I am and have a lengthy record on this forum, which I have not read. Your opinion is worth repeating to give some perspective and history of Falcon hockey. It's not unusual for fans to see things very differently from the coaches for many different reasons so keep posting your views.
Clearly we all would like to see the team win and will always have different views so long as we loose. The more understanding we have about what's going on the better.

FalconBlue wrote:I was thinking more of the omission of James Unger from the St. Lawrence game after a goal and an assist against Clarkson and Horrell, after his recent stellar play,

Unger was not a 'healthy scratch' against St Lawrence...he had cold/flu symptoms and was running a fever. I know this is true, I spoke with him prior to the game. If you noticed, he didn't sit with the rest of the guys, but stayed off by himself out of concern that he might be contagious.

I think it ought to be perfectly obvious that the coaching staff is (and ought to be) committed to the development of Jimmy Spratt. He will be our primary goalie next year, and he can only grow with experience and playing time. The staff has worked with Jimmy to improve his technical skills, and help him adjust to the faster pace of the college game. It is CRITICAL to the program (both short and long term) that he continue to get playing time. That said, if he should struggle, and/or Horrell just plays out of his mind, I'd not be surprised to see less of him (especially in conference play) as the season continues...but let's face it, one reason you schedule non-conference games during the middle of the season is to allow some place for experimentation.

Given the fact that I missed last weekend for reasons I won't go into (no comments FF ) I didn't know about the flu. Then, again, I could have been so out of it due to pain killers that I heard "wrist" instead of "flu". At least I was lucid enough that I knew that he wasn't a healthy scratch.

There are two presumptions in the original post that leave me looking at the screen with a similar face to which I make after tasting any beer with the name "Light" or "Lite" on the label.

First, it is presumed that coaching staffs, phone it in and plan for the coming seasons rather than try and win NOW.

If that presumption is accepted one has to wonder, why would they be cashing in at Xmas break? Seems awful early in the season to move on mentally to 2006-07.


This team has shown flashes of very good hockey. The problem has been consistancy and focus, perhaps? When they string 3 periods of hockey )in which they are playing their best) together they are a very exciting, fast paced and dangerous team.

I'm with BGFan, the problems are correctable and the fact the players can see what sort of hockey they play when they skate all over teams like St. Lawrence, then that gives me hope that everything will work out.